Final answer:
Key factors contributing to strong obedience include authoritarian parenting, cultural norms that induce conformity and passivity, socio-economic background, and mechanisms such as cognitive dissonance which encourage aligning behaviors with prevailing attitudes to reduce mental discomfort.
Step-by-step explanation:
Several factors contribute to strong obedience. One of the key factors includes authoritarian parenting, where parents value conformity and obedience highly. This type of parenting involves strict, tightly monitored rules with less expression of warmth from the parents. In some cultural contexts, such as among first-generation Chinese Americans, authoritarian parenting has been shown to be just as beneficial as authoritative parenting regarding school success. Another influencing factor is the socio-economic background, which may shape parental emphasis on obedience and conformity; working-class families often emphasize these due to the nature of their jobs, whereas wealthier families may focus on judgment and creativity for their children's socialization.
Moreover, the presence of authority figures and cultural norms can foster obedience. For example, in some historical contexts like the Soviet culture, as described by Jeffry Klugman, inculcation through parenting and social norms nurtured a culture of passivity and obedience. Additionally, factors like cognitive dissonance can indirectly affect obedience by compelling individuals to comply with beliefs or orders to alleviate mental discomfort from conflicting attitudes and behaviors.